Fires in the Mirror
Fires in the Mirror
85

Fires in the Mirror NYC Reviews and Tickets

85%
(103 Reviews)
Positive
98%
Mixed
2%
Negative
0%
Members say
Great acting, Absorbing, Thought-provoking, Relevant, Great writing

About the Show

Anna Deavere Smith's groundbreaking one-person show takes a multi-faceted look at the Crown Heights Riots of 1991.

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Member Reviews (103)

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982 Reviews | 343 Followers
84
Thought-provoking, Relevant, Riveting, Great staging, Great acting

See it if you like ADS's docu-theater w/insightful quotes fr diff perspectives. Gr acting/staging. Impt discussn of Am race relatns; highly relevant.

Don't see it if you need action. Solo show w/lots of talk. Is two hours, but goes by fast. Well worth seeing if you like challenging content. Intelligent.

635 Reviews | 237 Followers
84
Great acting, Resonant, Relevant, Slow, Absorbing

See it if You love Smith’s compelling, genius storytelling style and would like to learn more about the Crown Heights riots.

Don't see it if You find that performing interview excerpts verbatim is less interesting than reading full interviews about the subject.

512 Reviews | 79 Followers
78
Relevant, Thought-provoking, Disappointing, Well directed, Incredible acting.

See it if you like to see amazing acting--1 actor playing numerous roles.Terrific staging.Problem is that the play doesn't have enough story or heart

Don't see it if you are expecting 1 of Deavere's incredible shows.This should've drawn me in more than it did.Felt too clinical.A few stories were touching

469 Reviews | 54 Followers
82
Great acting, Intelligent, Intense, Resonant, Relevant

See it if well acted and the play holds up without Anna starring in it. topic is still relevant and was good to see it again after all this time

Don't see it if need a straight through linear narrative with dialogue. style may not be for everyone.

441 Reviews | 72 Followers
85
Relevant, Intense, Intelligent, Great acting, Absorbing

See it if you are tired of polarized views and want thoughtful, intelligent even handed insight into a tragic event.

Don't see it if you don't like one man shows and prefer traditional story lines.

399 Reviews | 203 Followers
91
Profound, Masterful, Great writing, Great acting, Absorbing

See it if Michael Benjamin Washington gives an extraordinary performance as several characters involved in the 1991 Crown Heights killings/riots.

Don't see it if If you don't like one-person shows. This is more of an exploration than a play. If you like your shows linear, this might not be for you.

414 Reviews | 74 Followers
90
Thought-provoking, Relevant, Intelligent, Great acting, Absorbing

See it if solo show about an historical event based on Anna Deavere Smith's interviews with members of the community; issues of indentity & divisions

Don't see it if want the actor to exactly mimic the 25+ characters being voiced* & want more elaborate props to accomplish this Read more

WH
411 Reviews | 75 Followers
83
A great performance of a smith classic, Ambitious, This important time in nyc histiry is too easily forgotten, Fine acting, lighting, and writing, Provacative historical solo performance

See it if Like one actor shows. Are interested in NYC history and/or issues of race, identity, and religion. Appreciate stark production values.

Don't see it if You are Impatient with solo shows or historic reenactments.

Critic Reviews (11)

The New York Times
November 11th, 2019

CRITIC’S PICK "Reflections That Sear in a Reborn ‘Fires in the Mirror’: The Signature Theater revival of Anna Deavere Smith’s drama about the Crown Heights race riots confirms this play’s status as an enduring work of art."
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Time Out New York
November 11th, 2019

4/5 Stars "A theatrical time capsule that feels eerily timely...An appropriately fiery revival...While Washington doesn’t possess Smith’s uncanny abilities as a mimic, he imbues each person with specificity, authenticity and soul...A stirring account of an urgent work of art."
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Theatermania
November 11th, 2019

"Fires in the Mirror Exposes Segregated New York City: Anna Deavere Smith's theatrical documentary returns nearly three decades after the original incidents that inspired it."
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Lighting & Sound America
December 3rd, 2019

"[Washington] is an accomplished mimic…but he digs deeper, finding something of each person's essence, in a coolly appraising look, a conspiratorial smile, or a fierce burst of anger. His is not a showy, distracting display of technique, but a diligent excavation of souls."
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Talkin' Broadway
November 11th, 2019

"As evident by the Signature Theatre's current production starring Michael Benjamin Washington, the play offers an ominously accurate reflection of the troubled times in which we now live."
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New York Stage Review
November 11th, 2019

5/5 Stars "A Hot-Button Show Whose Glow Hasn't Dimmed: Anna Deavere Smith's one-person play still burns bright with star Michael Benjamin Washington and a timely-as-ever theme"
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Theatre is Easy
November 17th, 2019

"While the production is well executed… it presents dialogue as an end in itself and offers no connection between the real disparities affecting the neighborhood's Black and Jewish residents…Still, it is both evocative and compelling, thanks in large part to Michael Benjamin Washington."
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Front Mezz Junkies
December 13th, 2019

"The piece is well produced, delivering the detailed goods with grace and determination, but not much emotionality. Washington doesn't hold the stage with the transformative weight of Smith, but that's a tall order, as she is at the heart of this emotional undertaking."
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